Practical Living through Biblical Principles

Monthly Archives: March 2017

By Pastor Brenda Gray2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

While children grow physically as a natural part of life, there is another kind of growth that happens with some effort-our spiritual growth in Christ likeness. Peter encouraged believers to “grow in the grace and knowledge” of Jesus. He said that maturing in our faith prepares us for Christ’s return.

The Apostle wanted Jesus to come back and find believers living in peace and righteousness. Peter viewed spiritual growth as a defense against teaching that incorrectly interprets God’s Word and leads people astray.

Something to think about: Even when we feel discouraged and disconnected from God, we can remember that He will help us advance in our faith by making us more like His Son. His Word assures us that “He who has begun a good work in us will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Prayer starter: Father in the name of Jesus, I invite your Holy Spirit to mold me into the person you want me to be. Empower me to keep reaching for the holiness that I see in Jesus…

Like this:

Hebrews 2:18 – Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Jesus sacrificed His time and potential damage of His character and witness while being tempted in the wilderness. In order to relate to others that God has assigned specifically to you to help or to be a blessing to as they struggle through specific situations, sometimes YOU might have to be the sacrifice.

We can only sympathize with people who are facing struggles that we have not ourselves experienced. We can’t relate to them because we don’t know anything about their struggle. However, having experienced it ourselves, allows us to be genuine in helping them and puts us in a better place to make an emotional connection because we’ve walked in their shoes.

Something to think about: Previously experiencing their struggle becomes your testimony because you’ve also witnessed Gods, dominion, power, authority, His glory and His saving grace as you came out victorious on the other side.

Prayer Starter: Lord, thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice for me. I know life isn’t always easy and that I will have to make some sacrifices along the way. All I ask is the you make those sacrifices count so that I can intern be a blessing to someone else, understanding that as you use me to bless others, that I too receive blessing from you…